So the new Claris 8 speed has paddle shifters, the SORA 9 speed goes back to the thumb shifter lever and the new Tiagra is a 10 speed paddle shifter, but with one cable housing exposed. I wonder how long SORA will retain the thumb shifter?

So the new Claris 8 speed has paddle shifters, the SORA 9 speed goes back to the thumb shifter lever and the new Tiagra is a 10 speed paddle shifter, but with one cable housing exposed. I wonder how long SORA will retain the thumb shifter?

None have thumb shifters, and all have "paddle" levers with external shift cable/housing ...

Oddly enough, it's much cheaper for me to upgrade to a 3x9 Sora than to upgrade to a 2x8 Claris (haven't seen a 3x8 yet.) New shifters, cassette, and chain, about 200$, whereas the 2x8 I'd need to spent 160$ on the shifters and another 100$ on the same quality of crank.

Did you miss the "without thinking" part or is your need for satisfaction too great?

The lesson here: if you make a simple, stupid mistake, like choosing the wrong word (which you did), and someone takes a harmless poke at it, own your mistake with grace - it's no big deal. The last thing that you should do, though, is try to make yourself look smart at the expense of those having that harmless fun, because you'll probably end up looking more stupid (which you did).

Oddly enough, it's much cheaper for me to upgrade to a 3x9 Sora than to upgrade to a 2x8 Claris (haven't seen a 3x8 yet.) New shifters, cassette, and chain, about 200$, whereas the 2x8 I'd need to spent 160$ on the shifters and another 100$ on the same quality of crank.

I like my triple for my rides up into the mountains.

Just go Microshift and forget Shimano [levers]. Seriously, you won't regret it. Less expensive and more functional. I use the double on my 9 speed. Crisper, better ergo.

I have a 5700 setup and a 9 speed Microshift setup. The Claris and Sora are a little soft and share the same deficiency (in my ergonomic world) as 5700 - too much throw and too many moving parts. All things being equal, Microshift takes the least amount of effort to shift in either direction, and the downshift actuation is much smoother than even the 5700. This isn't about cabling (my stuff is tight), it is about the mechanics. Also, to be clear, the new Microshift compared to the old is night and day - so much tighter. The three year old Forte/Microshift is loosey goosey.

I have a 5700 setup and a 9 speed Microshift setup. The Claris and Sora are a little soft and share the same deficiency (in my ergonomic world) as 5700 - too much throw and too many moving parts. All things being equal, Microshift takes the least amount of effort to shift in either direction, and the downshift actuation is much smoother than even the 5700. This isn't about cabling (my stuff is tight), it is about the mechanics. Also, to be clear, the new Microshift compared to the old is night and day - so much tighter. The three year old Forte/Microshift is loosey goosey.

YMMV

I've never seen/used Microshift stuff, but I've been curious. Especially as prices continue to climb, and forced obsolescence accelerates.